The difference
WAV is uncompressed audio: every sample is stored exactly. Files are large, about 10 MB per minute for 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo.
MP3 is compressed with a lossy codec that removes detail the ear is less likely to notice. At 320 kbps, a minute is about 2.4 MB; at 128 kbps, about 1 MB.
When to use WAV
- Editing and mixing. Every time a lossy file is decoded, processed and re-encoded, small artefacts can build up. Start from WAV when you can.
- Final masters and archives. Keep a WAV of anything you might re-edit later.
- Stems. Separated parts are usually delivered as WAV for flexible mixing.
- Loops in games. MP3 encoding can add a short gap at the start of a file, which breaks seamless loops. Use WAV or a gapless format such as Ogg Vorbis for game loops.
When MP3 is fine
- Previews and reference listening. Our library previews are 96 kbps MP3 for fast loading.
- Sharing drafts with clients or collaborators.
- Video platforms. YouTube and social platforms re-encode audio on upload anyway; a high-bitrate MP3 or AAC source is generally indistinguishable from WAV after that.
Sample rate and bit depth
For video, match your project, usually 48 kHz. For music-only delivery, 44.1 kHz is standard. See sample rate and bit depth in the glossary.
Which plans include WAV
Every Sonvela plan downloads WAV, so you can export MP3 yourself when a platform asks for it. Details are on the pricing page.
Written by the Sonvela editorial team with AI drafting assistance, then checked against the sources linked in the text. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.